Just over a year after moving into downtown Kalispell, Fresh Life Church is planning to build a 16,000-square-foot addition that will connect its two main buildings.

The $2.8 million, two-story project will bridge the two historic buildings on First Avenue East owned by the church, the Liberty Theater and the Montana Building.

According to plans, the new building will replace the parking lot currently located between the two buildings, also requiring the removal of a small building located next to the Liberty Theater called “The Lab” and remodeling a small portion of the current Montana Building, which previously housed a barber shop.

Fresh Life Operations Pastor John Mark Creamer said in a media statement that, while the new building will adhere to the architectural standards, structure and beauty of its surroundings, it will also provide much needed space for the church to expand its children’s facilities and provide additional lobby and meeting space for the rapidly growing church.

The church first applied for a permit for the addition in July and has completed its architecture and site review. Kalispell Building Official Jeff Clawson said the permit process is still in progress as the church’s board continues to answer questions from various city departments.

Fresh Life Church was founded in 2007 by Pastor Levi and Jenny Lusko. The church began in Kalispell and has expanded to include campuses in Whitefish, Missoula, Bozeman, Billings, Polson, Helena, Salt Lake City and Portland, Ore.

The church purchased the Montana Building, erected in 1911, in April of 2016 from the Gentry Family Limited Liability Partnership.

In addition to the two buildings on First Avenue East, Fresh Life also owns the Strand Building directly east of City Hall.

Reporter Mary Cloud Taylor can be reached at 758-4459 or mtaylor@dailyinterlake.com